Dimapur, September 27 (MExN): The Department of History, Tetso College in collaboration with Heritage Publication House organised a UGC sponsored National seminar on the theme ‘Heritage discourse and the politics of identity: In the context of Nagaland and beyond’ on September 23 and 24 at Tetso College, Dimapur.
A press release stated that this seminar was initiated having understood the need to hold seminars and workshops where scholars and thinkers from various fields can come together, to address; to identify and try to find solutions and measures on how to preserve our heritage and to ascertain that our original cultural identity is understood and carried forward by our next generations. The main objective of this seminar was to create a significant platform where the participants discoursed on various issues and challenges relating to our cultural heritage and identity. This seminar was designed to be practical with lectures, encourage participation and exchange information.
The seminar had four academic sessions where academicians and research scholars from different universities viz. Tezpur University, Gauhati University, Nagaland University, North Eastern Hill University, Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan and Manipur University presented their original research papers. The seminar was also attended by faculty and students from different educational institutes of Dimapur. There were discussions after each session which witnessed very active participation from all the participants, the questions that were raised and the issues discussed proved very beneficial and conscientious.
On the first day, Dr. Kedilezo Kikhi of Tezpur University presented his paper “(Re)Imagining Naga Homeland and Identities: It’s Relevance in the Present Neoliberal Context” that gives a critical endeavour to understand and (re)imagine or question the relevance of Naga homeland and Naga identity project vis-à-vis its expectations in the present neoliberal era.
In his “History, Heritage and Identity: A Case Study of Kukis of Nagaland”, David Hanneng examines the shaping of Kuki identity in Nagaland through time and space, on the one hand, and the role the Kukis played in the formation of Naga nation, on the other.
Dr. Salikyu Sangtam draws the continuation of the hill politics of ‘Zomia’ in Naga society which is substantiated by the fact that Nagas continue to evade its full assimilation into the nation-state of India in his paper “The Historical Culture of Hill Politics”. Yabangri Changkiri, a Research Scholar of NU, investigated the traditional pottery protraction technology and the decorative styles in Nagaland from which one can infer distinctions and ethnic boundaries in his paper “Indigenous Pottery Production: Reflecting Cultural Identity of the Nagas”.
Nungchim Christopher presented “The Moyon Traditional Marriage System: Continuity and Change” where he explored the old marriage system before the community was affected by factors foreign to them and also the dimension of changes that have occurred and the final paper of the day was presented by Dr. Benjongkumba on “Communitization of Elementary Education: A Process of Optimising the use of Social Capital in Nagaland”.
On the second day of the seminar another five papers were presented by different Scholars. Dr. D.L. Haokip presented “Christianity and Bible Translation in Manipur: A Case Study of the Tangkhul”. Denial Kaba presented his paper “Politics of Identity Construction: Insiders’ view of Pan-Naga past and Present in North East India” and Nivibo Y Sumi presented “Understanding the Institution of the Sumi Naga Marriage: An Analysis”. At the final session, Lungailin Gangmei presented “Material Culture of the Rongmei: Change and Continuity with special reference to Manipur” and Mepusangba presented his paper “Exploring Identities through Museum”.
Each session witnessed lively academic discussions and debates that made the seminar a grand success.
The inaugural session was chaired by Kinitoli K Aye Assistant Professor, Department of History. Tatongkala, Assistant. Professor & HOD History Department and the convenor of the seminar gave the welcome address. The Declaration of the National Seminar was signed by Dr. P S Lorin, Principal Tetso College, Rev Dr Wati Aier, Principal OTS & Convenor of FNR keynote speaker and Dr Lanusangla Tzudir Chief Editor of Heritage Publication House. Vesekho a BA 3rd semester student performed a special song for the occasion. The inaugural session was closed by a word of gratitude by Anatoli Rochill Assistant Professor, Department of History and the organising secretary of the seminar.
At the valedictory session, all the resource persons and participants received a Certificate of Participation and thereafter a vote of thanks was delivered by the convenor Tatongkala. The seminar was concluded with a benediction by Anatoli Rochill.
.JPG)
